Why Solar is a Good Fit for Mines: Codelco Case Study Released

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 11, 2013) - Canadian Clean Energy Conferences has published a case study detailing the business case behind Codelco's decision to invest in the Pampa Elvira solar plant which was developed by Energia Llaima and Sunmark.

For the past several years, Codelco has relied solely upon diesel fuel for its copper electro-winning process. With a commitment to replace 85% of all diesel fuel used with 51,800 thermal megawatt hours of thermosolar, Codelco stands to save the expense of almost two months of fuel annually. Canadian Clean Energy Conferences interviewed Energia Llaima's General Manager Ian Nelson who, along with Sunmark CEO Hans Grydehøj, led the solar project for Codelco.

Both will be speaking at the upcoming Renewable Energy and Mining Summit this September 25-26 in Toronto. They will be joined by energy decision-makers from global mining leaders including Barrick Gold, Kinross, Xstrata, Rio Tinto, Teck Resources Limited, Vale, Lonmin, American Vanadium, Cronimet Mining Energy AG, Semafo Energy, and Volcan. Ross Beaty, chairman of Pan American Silver and Alterra Power Group, is providing the welcome keynote address at the summit.

This international event offers a unique opportunity for the mining sector and renewable energy industry to network and understand the possibilities and challenges for collaboration. Hatch is the principal sponsor of this timely event which is being organized by Canadian Clean Energy Conferences.

"We look forward to an exceptional occasion for bringing together the mining and solar industry, which is increasingly joining forces in real project throughout the world," commented Pablo Burgos, CEO of Solarpack, who is presenting at the Summit.

"As mining companies continue to balance the requirement for affordable and reliable energy, with the need to operate sustainably and to minimize our environmental footprint, renewable energy solutions geared to our industry offer much promise and opportunity," added Jody Kuzenko, General Manager, Production Services, Vale (Ontario Operations), who also speaking. "I look forward to participating in this conference and to learning about new and creative solutions in assessing renewable energy options now and in the future."

Alongside this event, Canadian Clean Energy Conferences will be producing the Renewable Energy and Mining Industry Report which will provide details on the various case studies from mining companies featured at the event.